ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
Distribution of food grains under PMGKAY-II started; Total 33.40 LMT food grains picked up by the States/UTs till now
Food Corporation of India set new records in procurement of food grains; procured 389.76 LMT wheat and 504.91 LMT rice in the just concluded crop season
After successful implementation of Prime Minister Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana  from April to June 2020, the Government of India extended this scheme for another 5 months from July to November 2020. About 81 crore beneficiaries covered under National Food Security Act  and Antyodaya Ann Yojana  are being provided 5 Kgs of Rice/wheat free of cost under this scheme. The total allocation for PMGKAY II from July to November 2020 is 200.19 LMT . There has been very enthusiastic response from the state governments as well as beneficiaries to this scheme. The scheme was rolled out on 08.07.20 and till 27.07.20, a quantity of 33.40 LMT food grains  has already been handed over to state governments across the country for further distribution to the beneficiaries, which is about 83% of the allocation for the month of July 2020.
Including the additional allocation of 200.19 LMT for PMGKAY II, the total quantity of food grains that will be distributed by Government of India to the vulnerable sections of the society during the 5 months will be about 455 LMT. Every beneficiary under NFSA and AAY shall receive 5 Kg of wheat or rice totally free of cost in addition to their regular quota of food grain at subsidized prices.
Extensive and detailed logistical planning has already been done by Food Corporation of India  to ensure that food grain stocks reach every part of the country as per the allocation over these 5 months. This is a huge challenge as it is double the normal allocation and the existing warehousing capacities and transportation systems are based on the regular allocations. However, FCI is fully geared up for the challenge and its ability to deliver in the most trying circumstances has already been demonstrated during the lockdown period when new records were set in terms of logistical operations. It will be ensured that food grains reach every corner of the country as per allocations and the stated objective of the government that no poor person will have to remain hungry for want of food will be achieved.
FCI has already wound up the procurement operations for the current season and has set new records in procurement of both wheat and rice. A total of 389.76 LMT wheat and 504.91 LMT rice has been procured in the just concluded crop season. Going by the present trend of progress of monsoon, the coming Kharif season of 2020-21 is also expected to be a good one.
Ministry of Defence
KEEL LAYING OF SECOND SHIP  AND THIRD SHIP , AT M/S CSL, KOCHI, ON 21 FEB 23
Keel laying of Second ship  and third ship  of Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft   project was presided by R Adm Sandeep Mehta, ACWP&A and R Adm I B Uthaiah, DG WDB, respectively on 21 Feb 23, in presence of Shri Madhu S Nair, CMD, CSL and other senior officials of Indian Navy and CSL at M/s CSL, Kochi. With all major and auxiliary equipment/systems sourced from indigenous manufacturers, these ships are the proud flag bearer of “Make in India” initiative of Ministry of Defence.
Contract for construction of eight ASW SWC vessels was concluded with M/s CSL, Kochi, in consonance with “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiatives of the Government of India. These ships are being built with a service life of 25 years. The availability of these vessels will provide sub-surface surveillance in coastal areas with the purpose of detecting and neutralizing underwater threats.
President's Secretariat
PRESIDENT OF INDIA PRESIDES OVER THE CEREMONIAL SESSION OF AGM OF INDIAN RED CROSS SOCIETY
The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu presided over the ceremonial session of AGM of Indian Red Cross Society at Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre today .
Speaking on the occasion, the President said that philanthropy has been considered the most important human value in Indian tradition. She was happy to note that the Indian Red Cross Society has been serving people for more than 100 years. She added that the Red Cross has shown its commitment through relief work during the natural disasters and health emergencies. She appreciated all the members and volunteers of the Society for their dedication and service to humanity. She said that their dedication, compassion and selfless spirit towards human service inspire others. She expressed confidence that the Indian Red Cross Society would continue to work for the welfare of humanity.
The President was happy to note that the Indian Red Cross Society is meeting about 10 percent of India's blood requirements through more than 100 blood donation centres and mobile campaigns across the country. She said that the Indian Red Cross Society is playing an excellent role by safely collecting blood for those in need and promoting the culture of voluntary blood donation. She urged members of the Red Cross Society to work for removing misconceptions related to blood donation, and to connect people, especially the youth, with this noble social cause.
Please click here to see the President's Speech -
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
COVID-19 UPDATE
189.81 cr vaccine doses have been administered so far under Nationwide Vaccination Drive
India's Active caseload currently stands at 19,688
Active cases stand at 0.05%
Recovery Rate currently at 98.74%
3,549 recoveries in the last 24 hours increases Total Recoveries to
4,25,51,248
3,545 new cases recorded in the last 24 hours
Daily positivity rate 
Weekly Positivity Rate 
83.98 cr Total Tests conducted so far; 4,65,918 tests conducted in the last 24 hours
Ministry of Textiles
Persons Engaged in Handloom Sector
Ministry of Textiles through office of Development Commissioner for handlooms has conducted 4th All India Handloom Census during 2019-20. As per the report, 35,22,512 handloom workers are engaged in the country in Handloom Sector .
Skill upgradation is a continuous process. Need-based skill upgradation programmes for handloom workers in technical areas viz. weaving, dyeing, designing etc, were earlier conducted under National Handloom Development Programme and Comprehensive Handloom Cluster Development Scheme and now under the ‘Capacity Building in Textile Sector – SAMARTH’ Scheme.
From FY 2015-16 to 2020-21 , 56614 handloom workers have been imparted skill upgradation training under NHDP, CHCDS and SAMARTH.
This information was given in a written reply by the Union Minister of Textiles, Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Home Affairs
Union Home and Cooperation Minister, Shri Amit Shah has congratulated Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, for commencing COVID-19 vaccination of children in 12 to 14 years age group and Precaution Dose for all citizens above 60 years
Under leadership of Shri Narendra Modi, who is committed to safe and healthy life of every Indian, under the free vaccine campaign for all, from today onwards, COVID-19 vaccination of children in 12-14 years age group and precaution dose for all citizens of 60+ years has started
Everyone in this age group must get vaccinated
In a nation with a population of 130 crore, it was impossible to run a COVID-19 vaccination campaign with such speed without strong will and leadership, which Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has displayed, and made possible through his farsightedness
I congratulate Shri Modi and, salute all health workers who made this campaign a success
Union Home and Cooperation Minister, Shri Amit Shah has congratulated the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, for commencing COVID-19 vaccination of children in the 12 to 14 years age group and the Precaution Dose for all citizens above 60 years of age.
In his tweets, Shri Amit Shah said “Under the leadership of Shri Narendra Modi, who is committed to the safe and healthy life of every Indian, under the free vaccine campaign for everyone, from today onwards, COVID-19 vaccination of children in 12 to 14 years age group and precaution dose to all citizens of 60+ years has started. Everyone in this age group must get vaccinated.”
The Union Home and Cooperation Minister said “In a nation with a population of 130 crore, it was impossible to run COVID-19 vaccination campaign with such speed, without strong will and leadership, which Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has shown, and made possible through his farsightedness. I congratulate Shri Modi for this, and, salute all health workers who made this campaign a success.”
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Major Economies Forum on Climate and Energy Meets
India’s initiatives go beyond its borders : Shri Bhupendra Yadav
Union Minister calls upon the members of MEF to launch a global movement on LIFE i.e. Lifestyle for Environment
The Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav represented India at the virtual meeting of the Major Economies Forum on Energy and Climate , hosted by U.S. President Joseph Biden, the meeting was held yesterday. The MEF meeting was aimed at galvanising actions that are to strengthen energy security and tackle the climate crisis thereby building momentum for COP27. The meeting was attended by twenty three major economies across the world and the Secretary General of United Nations.
The MEF leaders shared the initiatives being taken by them to deliver on their respective climate change commitments.
Shri Bhupender Yadav spoke about India’s continued commitment to contributing toward global collective action to combat climate change. He emphasised that India’s initiatives go beyond its borders, including the International Solar Alliance, and the Coalition for Disaster Resilience Infrastructure.
He mentioned that India has already installed 159 GW of non-fossil fuel based electricity generation capacity. And during the last 7.5 years, India’s installed solar energy capacity has increased over 18 times.
Shri Yadav highlighted that India’s annual per capita emissions are only a third of the global average and its cumulative GHG emissions are less than 4 percent, but India’s climate targets are ambitious and reflect its commitment to the global good.
He further underscored that without cumulative emissions in check, success with other environmental challenges, even if they are achieved, will not carry lasting value.
Global warming warns us that equity and international cooperation, leaving no one behind, hold the key to success, where those most fortunate must lead the way. In the same context, he further highlighted that no nation can undertake this journey alone. Right understanding, right thought and co-operative action need to set our path for the next decisive half a century. All nations must adhere to their fair share of the global carbon budget.
He mentioned how the Panchamrit goals are being fructified through one of the largest clean energy development plans in the world. India is on track to meet its commitments, through adoption of low carbon policies across key sectors of our economy ranging from green hydrogen mission to e-mobility.
The Union Minister called upon the members of MEF to launch a global movement on LIFE i.e. Lifestyle for Environment as espoused by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at the COP26 in Glasgow.
Prime Minister's Office
Phone call between Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and HE Mr Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi spoke on phone today with His Excellency Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation.
Prime Minister conveyed his warm greetings and best wishes to the Russian President on the occasion of his birthday.
Prime Minister recalled his long association and friendship with His Excellency Putin, and appreciated the personal role that the latter has played in nurturing the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between the two nations.
Both leaders agreed to remain in touch over the coming days, including on the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Prime Minister expressed his keenness to welcome President Putin in India, as soon as possible after the normalisation of the public health situation.
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Centre allows International Trade Settlements in Indian Rupees for Export Promotion Schemes under the Foreign Trade Policy
Decision to facilitate and ease international trade transactions in Indian Rupees
The Government of India has made suitable amendments in the Foreign Trade Policy and Handbook of Procedures to allow for International Trade Settlement in Indian Rupees  i.e., invoicing, payment, and settlement of exports / imports in Indian Rupees. Accordingly, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade  had earlier introduced Para 2.52 vide Notification No. 33/2015-20 dated 16.09.2022 to permit invoicing, payment and settlements exports and imports in INR in sync with RBI’s A.P.  Circular No.10 dated 11th July 2022.
In continuation to the above notification, changes have been introduced under Para 2.53 of the Foreign Trade Policy, for grant of exports benefits / fulfilment of Export Obligation under the Foreign Trade Policy, for export realisations in Indian Rupees as per the RBI guidelines dated 11th July 2022.
The updated provisions for Export Realisation in Indian rupees been notified for, imports for exports , export performance for recognition as Status Holders , Realisation of export proceeds under Advance Authorisation  and Duty Free Import Authorisation  schemes  and Realisation of Export Proceeds under Export Promotion Capital Goods  Scheme .
Accordingly, benefits / fulfilment of Export Obligation under the Foreign Trade Policy has been extended for realisations in Indian Rupees as per the RBI guidelines dated 11th July 2022. Given the rise in interest in internationalisation of Indian Rupee, the given Policy amendments have been undertaken to facilitate and to bring ease in international trade transactions in Indian Rupees.
Ministry of Railways
Indian Railways registers Highest Freight figures in terms of loading and earnings in the FY2020-21
In the FY 2020-21, Indian Railways total loading was 1232.63 million tonnes which is 1.93 % higher compare to last year’s loading  for the same period
In this FY 2020-21, Indian Railways earned Rs. 117386.0 crores from freight loading which is 3% higher compare to last year’s earning  for the same period
Highest ever loading in consecutive 7 respective months from Sep’20 to March’21
In the month of March 2021, Indian Railways loading was 130.38 million tonnes which sees the growth of 27.33%
In March, 2021, Indian Railways earned Rs. 12887.71 Crores from freight loading which is also 26.16% higher compared to last year’s earnings for the same month
Despite the Covid challenges, Indian Railways closed the FY 2020-21 with record freight loading.
In the closing month of this fiscal year 2020-21, Indian Railways surpassed the last year’s loading that is 1232.63 compared to last year’s 1209.32 which shows the growth of 1.93%.
In this period, Indian Railways earned Rs. 117386.0 crores from freight loading. It is 3% higher than the last year’s earning from Freight which was Rs. 113897.20 Crores for the same period.
Indian Railways has maintained the momentum of highest ever loading in consecutive 07 respective months from September, 2020 to March, 2021.
On mission mode, Indian Railways' Freight loading for the month of March 2021 crossed last year’s loading and earnings for the same period.
In the month of March 2021, Indian Railways loading was 130.38 million tonnes which is 27.33% higher compare to last year’s loading for the same period . Indian Railways loading was 130.38 million tonnes which includes 58.57 million tonnes of coal, 16.78 million tonnes of iron ore, 3.67 million tonnes of foodgrains, 2.57 million tonnes of fertilizers, 3.97 million tonnes of mineral oil and 9.56 million tonnes of cement . In March, 2021, Indian Railways earned Rs. 12887.71 Crores from freight loading which is also 26.16% higher compared to last year’s earnings for the same month .
It is worth mentioning that a number of concessions/ discounts are also being given in Indian Railways to make Railways Freight movement very attractive.
It may be noted that Freight trains’ speed has also registered significant increase in the existing network. Average speed for the freight trains in March 2021 was registered as 45.6 Km/hr which is 83% increase as compared to 24.93Km/hr in the same period.
Also, improvements in freight movements will be institutionalized and incorporated in the upcoming zero based time table.
COVID 19 has been used by Indian Railways an opportunity to improve all round efficiencies and performances.
Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
Shri Dharmendra Pradhan meets H.E. Union Minister for Construction, Electricity and Energy of Myanmar
Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas & Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan has held a meeting with H.E. U Win Khaing, theUnion Minister for Construction, Electricity and Energy of Myanmar.The MyanmarMinister is on an official visit to India to attend thefirst General Assembly of International Solar Alliance .
During the meeting, both Ministers discussed issues of bilateral engagement in the hydrocarbon sector. In the Upstream sector, they discussed the current and future investments by Indian companies in Myanmar. Presently, ONGC Videsh Ltd  and GAIL have invested in gas producing blocks in Myanmar. OVL also has stakes in exploratory blocks in Myanmar. Indian companies IOCL, NRL and HPCL are exporting petroleum products, lubricants and paraffin wax to Myanmar.The hydrocarbon engagement between the two sides has been steadily strengthening. Indian PSU companies have invested over US $ 1 billion in the upstream and midstream sectors in Myanmar.
Shri Pradhan shared Indian interest to participate in midstream and downstream sectorsin Myanmar, includingsetting up a refinery,storage, distribution and marketing of petroleum products in Myanmar. He also extended proposals to assist Myanmar in training and capacity building in hydrocarbon sector.
This was the second visit of Myanmar Minister to India. During his last visit he had visited Panipat refinery of IOCL. Shri Pradhan noted that Myanmar is an important element of India’s ‘Act East Policy’ and also the friendship bridge to ASEAN countries.
Both Ministers expressed their keenness to work towards further strengthening the bilateral engagements in the hydrocarbon sector and make it one of the important areas of bilateral cooperation between both the countries.
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Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Update on COVID-19 Vaccine Availability in States/UTs
More than 184.47 Crore vaccine doses provided to States/UTs
More than 16.18 Crore balance and unutilized vaccine doses still available with States/UTs
The Union Government is committed to accelerating the pace and expanding the scope of COVID-19 vaccination throughout the country. The nationwide COVID 19 vaccination started on 16th January 2021. The new phase of universalization of COVID-19 vaccination commenced from 21st June 2021. The vaccination drive has been ramped up through availability of more vaccines, advance visibility of vaccine availability to States and UTs for enabling better planning by them, and streamlining the vaccine supply chain.
As part of the nationwide vaccination drive, Government of India has been supporting the States and UTs by providing them COVID Vaccines free of cost. In the new phase of the universalization of the COVID19 vaccination drive, the Union Government will procure and supply  75% of the vaccines being produced by the vaccine manufacturers in the country to States and UTs.
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VACCINE DOSES
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SUPPLIED
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1,84,47,26,555
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BALANCE AVAILABLE
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16,18,25,796
More than 184.47 crore  vaccine doses have been provided to States/UTs so far through Govt. of India  and through direct state procurement category.
More than 16.18 Cr  balance and unutilized COVID Vaccine doses are still available with the States/UTs to be administered.
Ministry of Civil Aviation
Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia visits Maharani Lakshmi Bai Ki Chhatri, Gwalior to pay tribute to the martyrs of freedom struggle
Ministry of Civil Aviation celebrates Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav and Partition Horrors Remembrance Day.
Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Minister of Civil Aviation and Steel inaugurated a photo exhibition and spearheaded various programmes at Maharani Lakshmi Bai Ki Chhatri, Gwalior as part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav and Partition Horrors Remembrance Day.
The event was graced by Shri Pradhuman Singh Tomar, Minister of Energy, Government of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Vivek Narayan Shejwalkar, Member of Parliament , Gwalior, Smt. Shobha Sikarwar, Mayor, Gwalior, Shri Munnalal Goyal, Chairman, MP State Seed & Farm Development Corporation, Shri Bhagat Singh Kushwah, Minister of State, Government of Madhya Pradesh, Smt. Imarti Devi, Chairperson, MP Laghu Udyog Nigam and officials from MoCA, AAI, Govt. of Madhya Pradesh and District Administration.
Addressing on the occasion, Minister of Civil Aviation said, “India is the only country which never invaded any other country in its history but faced many foreign invasions. Instead of bowing down to these invasions, the people of India have always shown courage and resilience and never allowed any foreign power to settle on our land. Our National Flag  is a symbol of our sacrifice, our cultural supremacy and is a perfect example of our country’s diversity. We are going to celebrate 75th Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav tomorrow and every citizen will have to take a pledge to make India great again.”
Recalling the horrors of Partition, Shri Scindia said, “We have to teach our future generation the lessons behind partition so that they are aware of such catastrophic event in our history. India is a subcontinent itself and no other country in the world is a subcontinent. But India was partitioned in accordance with some people’s nefarious desires which lead to many families broken and many lives were lost. Many people became refugee in their own country and this photo exhibition that we have opened today showcases the suffering our elders had borne, and I request everyone to come and see it once. I salute their spirit as they re-establish themselves with what they have and contributed to the growth story of our nation.”
As India celebrates 75th Years of Independence, Ministry of Civil Aviation organized a photo exhibition on 14th August at Maharani Lakshmi Bai Ki Chhatri, Gwalior. The event was inaugurated and led by Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia. During the event, he hoisted the National Flag  and paid his respect to Maharani Lakshmi Bai at her Samadhi. He also met and felicitated the Martyrs/freedom fighters and their family members, who have participated in our freedom struggle.
Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav  is being observed by the Indian Government and the Indian populace to mark the country's 75th anniversary of independence with an enthusiasm to bring the Tiranga home and be a part of the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign under the aegis of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.
Prime Minister's Office
Over 50 Lakh Benefit under Ayushman Bharat
Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the efforts made in the health sector as India achieved a major milestone of providing benefit to over 50 Lakh people under the Ayushman Bharat Scheme.
He said “An important milestone in the journey of creating a healthy India!It would make every Indian proud that in a year, over 50 lakh citizens have benefited from free of cost treatment thanks to Ayushman Bharat. Apart from curing, this scheme is empowering several Indians.”
Launched exactly a year ago in 2018, Ayushman Bharat is world’s largest health insurance scheme, which aims to provide easy access to medical facilities to over 10.74 Crore poor people in the country.
Under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya , 16,085 Hospitals have been empanelled and over 10 Crore e-Cards issued.
Nearly17,150 Health & Wellness Centers have become operational across the country under Ayushman Bharat.
VRRK/SH
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